Final numbers for high schools reflect improvements for minorities

High-school graduation rates hit a new high of 82.3% in the U.S. in the 2013-14 academic year, according to the Department of Education, continuing a four-year trend of gains in a crucial credential for employment.

The record-high rate, up from 81.4% the prior year, reflects increases in degree completion among different racial and ethnic groups, as well as among students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. The achievement gap between black and white, and Hispanic and white, students also shrunk.